Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityExclusive Museum of South Texas History Exhibit Opens in Pharr Sep. 2
The City of Pharr is set to unveil a new exhibit titled 'Pharr: Packed with History' on September 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pharr Memorial Library. This exhibit, created in collaboration with the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), showcases Pharr's evolution from agriculture to international trade. Visitors will see historic artifacts, photographs, and documents that highlight the city's growth and the significance of the Pharr International Bridge. The exhibit will be open daily until December 13, 2026, with free admission. Library hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., and weekends vary.
CommunityHow a Photographer Gives Shelter Pets a 'Better Chance' at Being Adopted
There's nothing like a good first impression. For many shelter animals, that first impression happens online as potential adopters browse photos taken when the animals first arrive at the shelter. However, those images don't always show their best side. 'The intake photo is taken right when the pet arrives at the shelter for the first time,' explained Adam Goldberg, a professional photographer and founder of Stronger Shot Adoption Photos, to NBCUniversal Local. 'Who knows why they ended up there... it could have been for many reasons. And what I like to say is that’s probably the worst day of their life. So getting a quality photo on the worst day of their life is tough for anyone.' However, Goldberg has shown that the right photography can help a shelter animal find a forever home. Stronger Shot aims to increase the adoption chances of pets through professional photos and videos. 'That intake photo is not the best representation of the animal,' he stated. 'And that’s where the concept of Stronger Shot comes in, because we’re trying to give them a better chance to make a good first impression.'
CommunityCity of Pharr and Pharr International Bridge to Host Truck Expo, Aug. 28th
The City of Pharr and the Pharr International Bridge will host the 3rd Annual Truck Expo on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. This free event will highlight the latest advancements in the trucking industry, offering resources for obtaining trucking licenses and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Attendees can explore trucks, parts, and accessories, learn about CDL school enrollment, and discover various services related to insurance and logistics. A job fair and raffles will also be part of the event, welcoming the community to participate.
CommunityMission Fire Department to Host Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
The Mission Fire Department is hosting its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 9 a.m. This event will take place at the Mission Central Fire Station located at 415 W. Tom Landry St., Mission, Texas. The ceremony aims to honor the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to recognize the bravery of first responders. It serves as a moment for the community to come together, reflect on that tragic day, and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in service to others. Residents, community partners, and media are invited to attend.
CommunityProgreso High School to hold BBQ fundraiser in memory of student
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Progreso community will hold a barbecue plate fundraiser to honor the life of a Progreso High School student. Progreso Independent School District announced the death of high school student Alexander Salazar on Monday afternoon. The district will hold a barbecue chicken plate sale with all proceeds benefiting the Salazar family.
CommunityDon Quixote Comes to Life at Laredo Center for the Arts
The Laredo Center for the Arts will host 'The Quest to Dream III: A Rare Collection of the First Printed Don Quixote Illustrations' starting September 4, coinciding with CaminArte. This exhibition features over 65 photographic reproductions from a 1738 collection and aims to merge art, history, and education. It includes community artwork inspired by Cervantes' classic and immersive installations. Schools are encouraged to organize field trips to explore themes from Don Quixote through interactive activities. Admission is free, and donations are welcomed to support future programs. The exhibition runs until October 31, 2026.
CommunityWisin Launches Pre-Sale for His New Album 'La Universidad del Perreo'
What started as a mysterious invitation to a university has turned into a phenomenon. Over 2 million people have already enrolled as 'students' of 'La Universidad del Perreo,' raising expectations about what lies behind this initiative created by Wisin. The answer is beginning to unfold: 'La Universidad del Perreo' is Wisin's new album, set to be released on September 3, and is now available for pre-sale. However, the album is just the beginning. The concept will continue to develop through new projects, courses, and experiences related to 'La Universidad del Perreo,' creating a platform where its students can participate in various activities, obtain official certificates, and gain access to experiences reserved exclusively for members of this community.
CommunityWe are all rooting for you: Community steps up for Harlingen teen fighting leukemia
Eli Rivera, a recent graduate from Harlingen South High School, is battling leukemia, prompting his community to rally support. Known for his dedication in soccer and football, Rivera's coaches describe him as a hardworking and positive individual. Fundraisers organized by both sports programs have raised approximately $3,000 for his medical expenses. Local businesses, including Stefano's Brooklyn Pizza, have also contributed by donating proceeds from sales. UTRGV cancer specialist Everardo Cobos noted that the type of leukemia Rivera faces is common among young people. Harlingen South plans to continue fundraising efforts to support Rivera during the soccer season.
CommunityAlamo residents can now access municipal services and pay bills via new mobile app
Residents of Alamo can now utilize a new mobile application to access municipal services and pay their bills. The Alamo Citizen Engagement app, available for free on both iPhone and Android devices, aims to modernize the way residents interact with city services. Mayor J.R. Garza emphasized that the app will facilitate tasks such as paying water bills and reporting issues related to public works, reflecting the city's commitment to adapting to changing times.
CommunityLeadership Day Conference Returns to Pharr with Focus on Developing RGV Leaders October 30
The Leadership Day Conference will take place on October 30, 2026, at the Pharr ONE Center, uniting professionals, college students, and community leaders for a half-day event focused on leadership development and networking. Hosted by ZERA Coaching and the City of Pharr, the conference will include speakers, panels, and interactive activities aimed at enhancing leadership skills. This initiative targets a diverse audience, including students and entrepreneurs, to foster connections and practical learning. Earlier this year, ZERA Coaching launched a free Leadership Development Certificate Program for full-time college students in the Rio Grande Valley, aiming to equip them with essential workplace leadership skills.
CommunitySpectrum teams with nonprofit to give away free laptops
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In the modern world, it can be almost impossible for someone without a personal computer to accomplish important daily tasks. But not everyone can afford a device that could open up better opportunities, so Spectrum is teaming up with Compudopt to give away free laptops to those who need them right here in the Rio Grande Valley. “Spectrum is a
CommunityZambrano Family Backpack Giveaway Marks 8 Years of Community Service
The Zambrano Family Backpack Giveaway celebrated its eighth year of supporting students in the Rio Grande Valley. Organized by the Shoot for the Stars Foundation, the event provided school supplies to families in need. This year's giveaway took place at the Zambrano Law Firm's new location in San Juan, with around 100 volunteers assisting in the preparation and distribution of backpacks filled with essential school items. Jorge Zambrano, the foundation's president, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and motivating students. The event also featured free treats from the Pharr Police Department, enhancing the community spirit.
Community7 Years Since the Passing of Hero Moisés Sánchez
Today marks the seventh anniversary of the death of Moisés Sánchez, a Texas Department of Public Safety officer and U.S. Marine veteran. Sánchez passed away on August 24, 2019, due to complications from gunshot wounds sustained while responding to a hit-and-run accident on April 6, 2019, in the McAllen area. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and months of medical care, he died at the age of 49. He served honorably in the Marines from 1989 to 1993 and worked for FedEx for 18 years before joining the DPS in 2015. His legacy continues in South Texas, with various facilities named in his honor.
CommunityHorror film 'El Jardin' now in production in Mercedes
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A horror film directed and starring a Valley native is now in production in the Rio Grande Valley. Robert Longoria, a Brownsville native and director of the film "El Jardin," told ValleyCentral the film is inspired by El Chapo's escape with a horror twist. "El Jardin" is being filmed in the city
CommunityAC restored at South Padre Island post office after months of outage
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez announced that the South Padre Island Post Office has finally restored its air conditioning after several months without it. Residents had expressed concerns about the extreme heat inside the building, which affected both employees and visitors. Previously, the post office had to keep doors and windows open to alleviate the heat. The United States Postal Service acknowledged the issue and worked on repairing the HVAC system. Gonzalez confirmed that the system has now been successfully replaced, improving conditions for everyone at the facility.
CommunityNew LED lights being installed at Rio Grande City park
Rio Grande City is upgrading Veterans Park with the installation of 35 new LED lights, enhancing visibility in the park and parking lot. The previous lighting system, which was around 10 years old, suffered damage from weather conditions. Parks and Recreation Director Marco Treviño emphasized that the improved lighting will benefit residents who wish to exercise or walk during early mornings or evenings, especially with the upcoming time change. The project is largely funded by insurance, covering 80% of the costs, while the city will contribute approximately $5,000. Completion is expected within two weeks.
CommunityDog Found Severely Malnourished Finds Forever Home
A severely malnourished dog named Jordan, also known as Jojo, has found a forever home after being rescued in Pasadena. Initially discovered wandering a fast-food parking lot, Jojo was given a hamburger by employees and later taken in by Pasadena Humane. Jeni Incontro, who fostered Jojo, formed a strong bond with him. Despite plans to return him to the shelter, she was overjoyed to find he had not yet been adopted upon her return from a work trip. Incontro adopted Jojo, and they now enjoy a happy life together, with the shelter staff celebrating the adoption.
CommunityFunding boost of $100K will provide essential home repairs for low-income Hidalgo County veterans
Hidalgo County is set to receive an additional $100,000 to assist low-income veterans with essential home repairs through the Housing for Texas Heroes program. This initiative, managed by the Hidalgo County Veteran Services Office, targets veterans facing financial hardships, including elderly and homebound individuals with disabilities. Many homes require urgent repairs, such as fixing leaking roofs and floors. To qualify, veterans or their surviving spouses must have an annual income below $40,000. This funding boost follows last year's total of $300,000, bringing this year's total to $400,000 for necessary home modifications.
CommunityOnline registration open for 5K Kemps Krawl Glow Run
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Sea Turtle Inc. invites the community to its annual 5K to raise money for the nonprofit and its mission of sea turtle rescue, care, and protection. The Kemp's Krawl Glow Run is a family-friendly LED-themed run on the shore where people and pets can join in on the festivities. Kelli Larson,